Lagos Speaker Congratulates Sanwo-Olu On S’Court Victory
Following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling, which validated his election, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on the citizens, including the opposition, to join him in the train of governance.

This came as he said he has regained his grip on the politics of the state following the upset caused by the opposition Labour Party (LP) at the presidential polls last year.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, also declared yesterday that the recent Supreme Court judgment which affirmed his election victory has placed on him the responsibility to do more for the people.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke with newsmen after a meeting of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, with President Bola Tinubu in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “Really, it’s to ask everybody to join us, irrespective of whatever party it is, and to see that indeed the train in Lagos is moving. Yes, we have a real physical train, but the train of governance is moving. And what we have assured is that we will do it quicker, faster and bolder.

“We have promised to pretty much use every energy that we have to ensure that the commercial nerve centre of the country remains.

“So, it’s not an APC victory. It’s not a Babajide Sanwo-Olu victory; it’s a Lagos call to action for all of us to work for the citizens to meet a lot of Lagosians and to make meaningful development for our people. At the end of the day, people want to see good roads, people want to see security everywhere in the state.

“People want to see hospitals and schools being built. That’s what people want and that’s what we have preached and that’s what we are going to do.”

On what he would do to get hold of the politics of Lagos having been jolted with the unexpected challenge from the opposition Labour Party at the last election, the governor said: “We have Lagos.

Politics or election period is always a different kettle of fish and part of the things that pushes decision making. The moment it’s all over, you see the convergence. There are people in other parties that right from the very next day have extended their hands of fellowship to me to say that we are all together in this; let’s do it together and let’s work together because at the end of the day, why are you in government?”

Governor Alia, who also spoke while fielding questions from newsmen after the meeting of the PGF with the President, expressed commitment to live up to the peoples’ expectations in facilitating the provision of the dividends of democracy.

The governor noted that already, his administration has begun a good number of projects, adding that 16 roads have so far been commissioned.

On what his people should  expect from him, the Catholic Priest-turned-politician said: “I know it is a victory not just for me and as a person but for the great people of Benue State. The victory is sweet and it places more burdens on our output, both the input and output.

“That is the expectation and the expectation being that even the courts re-affirmed the mandate the people gave me and I’m quite happy about that. Again, it simply implies that we have to get out there and do some more, let them feel the impact of what they are inspecting.

“When they give you the mandate, it is an inspection; then what you put out there for them becomes their expectation and I know it’s very, very tall and we have already started a number of projects.

“We appreciate the support they continue to give. We are going to live up to the expectations and then we keep giving them the dividends of democracy.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over yesterday’s judgment of the Supreme Court affirming him as the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Lagos.

Obasa, in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, said the judgment of the Supreme Court is a further affirmation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the support of Lagos residents as reflected in the governorship and House of Assembly elections in 2023.

“With the election battle now put to rest by the Supreme Court, I join millions of our supporters to congratulate our amiable Governor and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

“It is a victory well deserved as the Supreme Court has now proven the Election Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court right concerning their earlier rulings in favour of Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“On behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I also congratulate our party, its leadership, members and supporters for all the efforts they put into the electioneering just as I urge other contenders in the election to join hands with the current administration and support its policies to make Lagos greater,” Obasa said.

In a related development, the Speaker has congratulated the Aare of Lagos, Chief, Rasaq Akanni Okoya, on his 84th birthday, describing the foremost industrialist as a blessing to Nigeria.

According to Obasa, Chief Okoya, at 84, has played very important roles in the growth, development and progress of Lagos and Nigeria through his chain of businesses and philanthropy.

“On behalf of my family and colleagues, I join your friends and associates to wish you a wonderful 84th birthday filled with Allah’s goodness.

“Your name remains etched in gold because of your commitment and passion for a better society. Your philanthropic activities are testaments of your large heart.

“While wishing you a beautiful celebration, I pray Allah continues to grant you good health, divine strength and wisdom at all times,” the Speaker prayed.